Ask the Experts

Tips for evaluating top database management systems and choosing a small DBMS

There are three major players in the DBMS market: Oracle, DB2 and SQL Server. Learn how to evaluate these top database management systems and choose a DBMS for a small business in this tip from Mark Whitehorn. Continue Reading
Are there benefits to using both Teradata and a DB2 database?

Many companies use DB2 to run an operational database and use Teradata for analysis. Find out why this is an effective approach and why it makes sense to use both Teradata and DB2 databases in this expert Q/A with Mark Whitehorn. Continue Reading
What is the main use of a DBMS and what is the main use of a data warehouse?

There are distinct functions for a database management system (DBMS) and a data warehouse. Learn how to use a DMBS and how to use a data warehouse to manage data in your organization. Continue Reading
Defining dimensional vs. normalized database design, dimension vs. fact tables

Find out if your existing database is in dimensional style or normalized database design style, learn the benefits and drawbacks of fact-dimension and normalized database schemas and read a comparison of dimension tables vs. fact tables. Continue Reading
What are the most common system implementation mistakes?

Learn about some of the biggest mistakes in system implementation and why successful implementations are few and far between. Find out how to avoid these pitfalls with careful planning and more tips from our project management expert. Continue Reading

Do MDM rules come preconfigured in MDM products, or can we add them?

How do MDM rules get embedded? Find out about MDM products that have preconfigured business and data quality rules and how an MDM administrator can add master data rules in this Q/A. Continue Reading
What are the advantages/disadvantages of database abstraction layers?

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of using database abstraction layers, as opposed to database-specific coding, and learn why abstraction layers offer maximum flexibility. Continue Reading
What level of data accuracy standards do we need for master data?

Find out how to establish data accuracy standards and discover what level of accuracy is necessary for your organization, depending on your business and data requirements. Continue Reading
What is driving MDM investments in the current economy?

Learn why companies are making MDM investments despite poor economic conditions and learn about master data management benefits in this Q/A. Continue Reading
Designing the MDM team for an SAP MDM implementation project

Get tips for creating an MDM team for an SAP MDM implementation project, including how to staff positions like MDM project managers, MDM administrators and developers, in this Q/A. Continue Reading
Tips for the MDM evaluation process and vendor selection

Discover tips for the MDM evaluation process, including how to evaluate data warehouse vendors vs. more general-purpose MDM vendors, in this Q/A. Continue Reading

How to complete the MDM requirements-gathering analysis process

Learn why it is important to complete the MDM requirements-gathering analysis process before evaluating MDM vendors -- and how to involve end users in the discussion. Continue Reading
How to estimate customer data cleansing costs

How much on average does it cost to clean one customer record? Do you know if there been any specific reporting or analysis done on this area of customer data quality? Continue Reading
How to choose between the Inmon vs. Kimball approach for data warehouse design

Get an overview of Inmon v. Kimball approaches to data warehouse design and business intelligence and find a checklist to help you decide on an architecture approach. Continue Reading
Definition of operational data store vs. persistent staging area

Discover the definition of operational data store vs. persistent staging area, including how to use the operational data store and the persistent staging area effectively. Continue Reading